This place was such a delight. We came here with our kids and they just loved this experience. The restaurant has a gigantic bocce ball court that takes up much of the first level. We were seated at a table that overlooked the court and a digital screen that flashed beautiful photos of Italy's top tourist spots. My kids were thrilled when they saw Venice, since they just learned about it in school. After ordering food, I took the kids to the bocce court while my partner could enjoy the wine and watch us from above. I know he appreciated having the break and a good glass of wine to go with it. Service was friendly and the food was fantastic. We ordered several dishes including several types of pasta, meatballs, cheesy bread and a caesar salad. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and a great vibe overall. I already have a reservation when we pass through Baltimore again in a few weeks. read more

I realize this might be controversial, but La Scala just doesn't blow me away like it does for some people. I came here for a birthday dinner for my friend. There was about 8 of us and we were seated downstairs in the bar area at a high top. Despite there being a reservation, it felt like our party was a last minute thought. The table was cramped and the ambiance of the downstairs bar area was dingy and dimly-lit. Our server, who was also the only bartender, did his best to multi task all night, although his demeanor was not very warm or friendly. I ordered the gluten free version of the Samantha fettuccine. Despite this being the only noodle they don't make in house, I had to pay extra for it. Annoying, but not totally unexpected. What was disappointing was the total price for the dish. It came out to be almost $50.... I believe the pasta is marked as market price due to the inclusion of crab meat but when it arrived, there was barely any in the dish. The flavor of the sauce was good but definitely not worth the price tag. I won't be returning anytime soon. read more

See all

This is a tight, upscale Italian food local that has a lot to offer. Yes it feels like you get stuffed in here with a shoehorn but the location is like an old house and it has lots of personality. Don't come here if you're just looking for blah food! If all you want is spaghetti and meat sauce go down to Fazzolis. This is higher flavor town Italian food with a mission to make you melt in delight. And it succeeds! Service is out standing, the food is flavor art, the location is tight but has great character, and I would come back in a heart beat! read more

La Scala - Italian Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

This place is over priced and gross. Chicken tasted off with the chicken Alfredo and vodka rigatoni. Maybe it was because I ordered to-go I'm not sure. Just landed from California, saw this place had high reviews, and it was not good. I got a side of bread hoping it was garlic bread but it was slightly toasted sour dough. read more

I love the cozy little vibe in this restaurant. We sat up in the bar area. The servers were friendly and the meal was timed appropriately. We had high expectations as we had heard good things from a few sources. The food was good, not great. Fairly basic and nothing 'crave-worthy'. The hunt for 'our' Little Italy restaurant continues! read more

See all

What a beautiful restaurant. The decor is frozen in time and dimly lit. A great place for a romantic evening. Food wise, I tried the Alfredo and it was authentic with butter and cheese. It's not too creamy and perfectly seasoned. I really enjoyed the toasted Caesar salad. I'd never had a Romain heart toasted. It was delightfully delicious. Can't wait to return due to the convenience of parking. read more

See all

Whew we loooove this restaurant! Every meal is top tier, best Italian in the city. Mother in law had her retirement party here. The steaks are phenomenal. Pasta is droolworthy. Espresso martini? Best around- youll end up with more than 1. Service is also impeccable- from the servers, bartenders, and Chef Nino coming around to make sure you had a great meal. Ambiance is more romantic and intimate. Great for dates and special occasions. You wont be disappointed in a meal here. read more

See all

Fabulous food, cozy restaurant and waiters who treat you better than family! I had the grilled Caesar to start, and then followed with veal Francese, an item I've never seen on any menu in New York or Philadelphia. We didn't have room for dessert because the food was so scrumptious! All the pastas are homemade! This is a huge win! Make sure to stop by here When you're in Baltimore's little Italy. read more

See all

This is a charming restaurant in Little Italy with an indoor Bocce court. We enjoyed all the food except some more than others. Favorites were the calamari appetizer (needed more sauce though), the shrimp diavlo and the eggplant with penne. The warm Caesar salad was just ok and the Mexican wedding soup was also just okay. The fettuccine Samantha was saucy but not a lot of crab. Would not get again based on the price and too little crab. The complimentary fresh Italian bread with garlic butter was yummy. Service was good but didn't check on us after meals delivered and fresh cheese offered. Portion sizes were generous. read more

La Scala - Warm Caesar salad was just ok - Italian Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Really yummy Italian food , great customer service, cute interior cozy place seems authentic read more

La Scala - Creamy gnocchi - Italian Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Great seating, wonderful food, attentive service, lovely and clean setting. Luis, the bartender, works his tail off, Chef treats everyone like family. We had a salad special and the 7 fish pasta- amazing and worth every penny. Don't think twice, just do it. Will be back and recommend to anyone visiting! read more

Upon entry, we were greeted well and seated promptly without reservation. This was a Sunday early evening. Our server was very descriptive with the specials of the day and suggestions from the main menu. We decided on a special, grilled Caesar salad as well as the imperial style sea bass. I asked for extra ceaser as it was lightly dressed but the meal was great. The sea bass was awesome! Thank you for a great experience. read more

La Scala - Imperial Sea bass (special) - Italian Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

See all

Can't believe it took me this long to finally check out this place ! I enjoyed The New York Strip Steak and it was cooked to perfection (medium rare, of course ) Paired nicely with a glass of crisp Moscato My waiter Jay was so nice . It is a pretty spacious place . Definitely won't be my last visit!! read more

See all

Came here over christmas time and it was so good! Definitely make a reservation. And definitely get the espresso martini. Literally tasted like a chocolate coffee milkshake. Best i've ever had! My dish, the Fettuccine samantha was amazing!! Couldn't stop eating it even though I was insanely full. Nice white tablecloth ambiance. read more

See all

A staple. This is easily one of my new favorite Italian spots in Baltimore. The service , wine, and food are fabulous. The Sommelier helped us pick out a delicious bottle of wine. The calamari was so fresh and light. They're known for their grilled romaine... for good reason too. Plus our server was kind enough to have it split for us! Our burrata was perfectly creamy and is flown in from Italy. We finished off with their espresso martini which was perfection. I can't wait to be back. read more

See all

La Scala continues to prove why it's one of Little Italy's gems. I ordered the seafood pasta, and it was truly the star of the night fresh, perfectly cooked seafood nestled in a rich, flavorful sauce that clung to the pasta just right. Every bite felt intentional and well-balanced. The service was warm and attentive without being overbearing, and the ambiance carried that classic, old-school charm that makes you want to linger a little longer after your meal. It's the kind of place that feels special without trying too hard. If you're craving authentic Italian with generous portions and great hospitality, La Scala is absolutely worth it! read more

Food was delicious. We ordered gamberi fra diavolo, calamari and veal chop. Everything tasted fresh and had great flavor. Knocking off stars because our specific server was so disrespectful and rude. My husband noted we were coming to celebrate our anniversary with our young kids. From the moment we walked in Casey/kacey rolled her eyes and clearly upset we brought our kids to our very early res. She spoke to us with an attitude and left us unattended for a good 20 mins - when returning she said "you all good" with a numbs up.... Disappointed in the lack of professionalism to say the least esp after being treated poorly. We drove up from Annapolis to celebrate and Casey ruined the vibe for sure. Luckily service from the other wait staff was lovely. read more

La Scala - Italian Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

See all

I finally got to check out La Scala last weekend and definitely enjoyed my experience! The vibe was cozy and my waitress was great (I wish I remembered her name). I started with the calamari, which was cooked well as it was so tender! I ordered the "Fettuccine Samantha", which was packed with crab and a decent portion for the price. It could have benefited from a little more flavor, but overall was tasty. I tasted my friend's vodka sauce and that was delicious! It is worth mentioning their system went down and somehow my friend got charged an extra $50. Our waitress updated us as she could and ended up giving us a free dessert as we waited an additional 30 minutes for everything to be resolved. I am still unclear of how it happened and it was a little annoying to end the meal this way, but overall enjoyed the experience. read more

La Scala - Fettuccine Samantha - Italian Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

I've tried many Italian restaurants in Little Italy, and this is hands down my favorite. Best homemade pasta, large customizable menu, amazing seafood, great ambiance, great service. Solid specials on the weekend. True Sicilian cuisine. HIGHLY recommend read more

First time in Baltimore and staying at the Marriott. We walked down by Little Italy and found this amazing place. Service was excellent and the Expresso Martini was delicious!!! The chef took the time to come visit us. We enjoyed the hazelnut and pistachio cannolis. We will be back to try more of the dinner dishes.. read more

See all

Came for dinner on a weekday. Excellent service as soon as I walked in the door. Attentive, nice and knowledgeable server. I split a grilled caeser salad with my friend - very good! Lobster Regina - so good. Huge portion, well seasoned. Highly recommend. Ended the meal with a pistachio canoli. Delightful. Beautiful restaurant, great food and service. You cant go wrong read more

La Scala - Lobster Regjna. Delicious - Italian Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Recently revisited La Scala and forgot how great their Italian food is! The espresso martini, wine selection, and food was all delicious and the pasta was reasonably priced. I love the layout with the bocci court downstairs it really brings a fun and lively vibe to the downstairs area. The service was good, our server was a little quiet but in general the staff seemed friendly, helpful, and attentive! read more

See all

I could kiss my friends on the mouth for bringing me here. Obviously we all know little Italy is the place to get good Italian food. But La Scala goes above and beyond. The atmosphere is so cozy and feels very old money Italian. Intimate and warm. The drinks? Holy moly. The espresso martini and regular martini (gin, extra dirty) knocked my whole socks off. The anti pasto was delicious. The olive oil is delicious. I got the lobster pasta special and it is something I'll dream about. My partner got the chicken parm and absolutely destroyed it. I wish we had room for dessert but wow. What a dinner. The service was so attentive and caring and knew the menu in and out. 10/10 recommend. read more

See all

La Scala has been open in Baltimore's Little Italy since 1995, and I can see why after I visited with my husband and some friends for dinner this past Friday night. La Scala has old school charm to spare, including a bocce court on the lower level that you can see as you walk upstairs. The service was also outstanding. Really a classy place when it comes to charm and service. Between the four of us, we tried some cocktails and some wine (a Belvedere martini and glass of Sangiovese for me), which were great. We shared the calamari and special salad of the night (grilled Caesar salad) and then all ordered a pasta. Mine was their Fettuccini Verdi alla Bolognese (seasoned ground beef with a tomato cream sauce over fresh spinach fettuccine), which I loved. La Scala is one of those places that just does things right! I can see why it's been open for 30 years! I wouldn't hesitate to return! read more

I think La Scala is the best Italian restaurant in Baltimore's Little Italy. Great classic atmosphere. I sat at the bar and received exceptional service. The food is amazing. Always great specials. The chef greets guests as well which I love. A real family feel here. I did a grilled Caesar-salad which was great. Sword followed. Excellent wine from managers recommendation. I will be back. read more

See all

Classic Baltimore Little Italy vibes. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the food feels like it was made in someone's home kitchen -- just elevated. The veal saltimbocca was melt-in-your-mouth good, and the fresh pasta had that perfect chew. Service was top-notch, with staff who clearly care about your experience. Bonus: bocce ball in the back if you want to make a night of it. read more

If you are looking for authentic Italian food in Baltimore then I recommend adding La Scala to your list. The food was delicious and they had large portions, perfect for sharing. The staff is nice and even the chef came by the want to introduce himself. The restaurant is located in a walkable area as well. The pasta is freshly made and is really good. read more

See all

I've never been to Italy so idk if La Scala has a strong Italian vibe, but it seemed like it to me. Felt like I could go right out back and play bocce, lol. It was packed when I arrived, lots of couples and families. Sat at the bar and enjoyed interacting with the hilarious bartenders and other patrons. La Scala's menu had a ton of options that were appealing to me, but I went with the special, snapper with asparagus. Additionally I had an espresso martini that was exquisite (and I'm NOT a cocktail drinker). The fish came with a small bowl of pasta, which I didn't eat until the next day, but it was excellent. The snapper itself was delicious and I'm pleased I had leftovers of it I also ate the next day. It was a great visit from start to finish. The owner even stopped by to say Hi! I absolutely shall return! read more

See all

One of the best restaurants in Baltimore! Always a great experience. Delicious pasta and knowledgeable serving staff. Best espresso martini in the city and very fun energy. read more

La Scala - Fettuccine Samantha - Italian Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

I finally tried La Scala, and it didn't disappoint. I wasn't drinking so I didn't try their famed espresso martini so I will need to go back. I met up with a girlfriend on weekday so I didn't make a reservation, but I was seated really quickly. They did ask for my phone number before seating me. This is definitely an old-school establishment. There's carpet on the floor and the staff is in uniform. There's bread service with an olive oil they sell at the restaurant. We shared the special grilled Cesar (the only negative was the knife at the table was so dull it was hard to cut into the romaine). The vodka pasta was comforting and not pictured (their mussels were epic). I need to come back to try the pasta Samantha and cocktails. I will say it's very classic American Italian. There is a giant tv (which was kind of odd for a semi romantic ambiance) and a bocce ball court, which you can reserve. It's one of the only few places in the city that has valet but you can usually find street parking or there's a garage in little Italy. read more

See all

As a NY Italian Foodie La Scala met all our expectations, food was excellent Nino Chef/Owner will make whatever you like, just as top Italian restaurants should offer. Nino was excited to talk about his food and restaurant tenure of more than 30yrs he even took the time to walk us around his restaurant dinning areas The restaurant was packed by 6pm, our food came out hot with an excellent presentation, wait staff works as a team so if you need something ask any of the waiters Thank you Nino for a Great Evening! Mr Trentino. read more

La Scala offers a great dining experience with the food as a stand out! My first time here and came with friends who frequent La Scala as one of their favorite upscale Italian restaurants in Baltimore. The ambiance is nice, located in the little Italy district, in a multi story brick building and left rustic inside. Service is excellent and valet is available. The restaurant offers full bar and of course a very nice wine list. Food is amazing. Try the grilled romaine salad if you like anything with a char- so tasty. For entree I had a shrimp and crab fettuccine. Rich and decadent with plenty of lump crab and several large shrimp. Best I have had anywhere and couldn't stop eating it. A large portion and I finished the hole plate. Cannoli and a lemon cello for dessert, also good and shareable. Would highly recommend La Scala. Note reservations are recommended and the restaurant is not open Mondays and Tuesdays. Private rooms are available. Happy eating! Cheers. read more

GREAT FOOD! Dylan was our server and he was phenomenal!! He gave us a great recommendation on wine, and I was very impressed how he memorized all 12 of the specials they had! I will be coming back! read more

I love the "Old School" mannerism here. Cozy, Chill and Tasty. Staff very knowledgable and helpful without embarrassing guest. Don't leave without tasting their Old Fashion!! read more

La Scala made our anniversary night feel like something out of a movie. Not only do they offer a shuttle to and from your hotel, but the owner personally came to pick us up. That kind of gesture? Rare. And it set the tone for everything else that followed. Once inside, we were met with warm service and a menu that clearly takes its Italian roots seriously. The pasta was hands-down some of the best I've ever had--the sauces were rich without being heavy, flavorful without trying too hard. Just...right. If you're looking for a place that treats food like an art form and guests like family, this is it. La Scala delivers where it counts. read more

My girlfriend and I went here for date night, and were blown away by our experience. We got the grilled caesar salad wedge as an appetizer, and split two pasta specials. The veal ravioli was fantastic! They even have a bocce ball court inside the restaurant! read more

This place was great for a romantic meal with my husband. The food was divine and the waiter was very knowledgeable when it came to our questions. Will eat here again! read more

See all

Let me start by saying the atmosphere was amazing. Our servers energy and personality is what makes this place 5 stars. We had the grilled Caesar, calamari, and shrimp toast for our appetizers. I thought the Caesar was super tasty but felt like the calamari was quite bland. I ordered the linguine al pesto and added clams. It was out of this world good. I make my own pesto so I can be a bit of a snob. Their pesto was so flavorful and adding the clams added to the texture. read more

See all

The BEST carbonara I have ever had! If you want authentic Italian I recommend La Scala. The service is always awesome too. Always excited to head back to La Scala! read more

See all

I can't believe I didn't find out about La Scala until last year! It's a gorgeous restaurant that gives you an Italian feel. They have a great happy hour in which you can't beat and the most unique yet tasty Caesar! I love the happy hour drinks which are reasonably priced and delicious. The servers were also very resourceful and welcoming! Highly recommended! both times I came alone, sat at the bar for happy hour! read more